Chapter 30

I exited the courtroom in silent contemplation, my mind churning with possible ways to showcase my strength. This exhibition wasn’t just about power—it was about making a statement, proving my worth, and ensuring that the kingdom recognized my role as the Shield of the Throne.

As I walked through the grand halls, lost in thought, I happened upon two soldiers leaning casually against a railing, deep in conversation. Their relaxed stance contrasted sharply with the disciplined atmosphere of the palace. Without thinking, I reached out and tapped one on the shoulder, pulling him from his idle chatter.

“Where can I find the Crest Master?” I asked absentmindedly, my thoughts still swirling around the upcoming display.

Before the soldier could answer, a sharp thwack landed on the back of my head.

“Ow—” I turned, rubbing the sore spot, only to be met with Cassie’s unimpressed glare.

“I swear, sometimes you’re dense,” she muttered before turning to the soldier. “Don’t worry about it. I know the way.”

Without another word, she twisted my ear and started dragging me along, Valefang chuckling at my misfortune.

“Traitor,” I grumbled at him, which only made his laughter grow louder.

Cassie didn’t release me until we reached our destination. I knocked on the heavy wooden door of the Crest Master’s chambers with one hand while still rubbing my ear with the other.

I shot Cassie a wounded look. “You’re a menace sometimes, you know that?”

She smirked, arms crossed. “Next time you forget about me, I’ll show you just how mean I can get.”

Before I could respond, the door swung open, and a well-dressed slave ushered us inside.

At the center of the room sat an elderly man with sharp, calculating eyes. Tobias Evercrest, the royal Crest Master, was a man of legend. He had designed and crafted the crests and insignias of every major house and noble order in Aldrenor for the last fifty years.

He smiled warmly as I approached his desk and extended a hand. I took it firmly, offering a respectful nod.

“Good morning, sir.”

“Good morning to you, Prince Asher,” Tobias replied with a knowing look. “Please, have a seat. I already know you require two new insignias—one for Valefang and the other for his wife. You could have easily sent a messenger for such a task, but since you’ve come in person, I can assume this is about something far more pressing.”

With a flick of his wrist, two finely crafted boxes floated down from a high shelf and landed gracefully before Valefang. He accepted them with a nod of gratitude.

Tobias turned back to me, parchment and quill at the ready. “Now, tell me what you need.”

I didn’t hesitate. “Six thousand soldier medallions. Five hundred commander medallions. One hundred lord commander insignias. One lord marshal insignia. And—” I paused, steeling myself for the reaction, “—a new insignia for a Royal Taskmaster.”

I braced myself for the inevitable smack from Cassie, but it never came. Instead, the room fell into a stunned silence.

Tobias narrowed his eyes. “A Royal Taskmaster? That position was abolished a decade ago. How do you even know about it?”

I shrugged. “I just made it up.”

Tobias barked out a laugh. “You made it up?”

I nodded. “But I’m happy to learn that it once existed.”

The Crest Master leaned forward, intrigued. “And on what principles did you create this position?”

I met his gaze evenly. “The one bearing the Taskmaster insignia has the authority to command anyone within their master’s domain. They can accompany their master anywhere, and aside from the king and queen, no one can overrule them. In essence, they hold power equal to their master in nearly all matters.”

Tobias studied me for a long moment before a slow smile spread across his face. “Perfect definition, my boy. What you don’t realize is that whenever a new crest is finalized, a Taskmaster insignia is always the first to be created alongside it. You are the first in a decade to claim one—and by the ancient rules, the bearer of the crest must retrieve it in person.”

He chuckled. “You’ve done so unintentionally. And in doing so, you have earned my undying loyalty.”

Then, to my surprise, he stood and bowed deeply. “My lord, is there anything else you require?”

I took a deep breath. “Yes. Ten thousand crest robe pins and one hundred in the size of a shield. I need them by the sixth day from today.”

Tobias gave a confident nod. “It shall be done.”

With another flick of his wrist, a different box floated down—this one far more elaborate than the previous two. The dark wood shimmered with gold inlays, and instead of a simple engraving, the crest was crafted from sparkling crystal, radiating an almost ethereal glow.

I lifted the lid, and my breath caught at the sight of the most exquisite insignia I had ever seen. The craftsmanship was beyond anything I had imagined.

The moment I removed it, the box sealed itself and floated back into the air. But instead of returning to its original place, it hung on display, visible for all to see.

I turned, took a knee, and presented the insignia to Cassie.

She didn’t move.

Her eyes were wide, her face pale with shock. I could practically see the gears turning in her head as she processed what was happening.

Valefang and Tobias exchanged amused glances before they both spoke in unison.

“Girl, how long do you plan to keep the prince on his knees? Take the insignia before he changes his mind!”

Their laughter echoed through the chamber.

Cassie, snapping out of her stupor, snatched the insignia so fast that I barely saw her hand move.

I grinned and rose to my feet. “Smart choice.”

Still dazed, she stared at the insignia in her hand. “You really gave this to me?”

“Of course. Who else could handle the job?”

She swallowed hard, then straightened her posture. “You’re damn right.”

Valefang chuckled. Tobias shook his head in amusement.

I turned back to the Crest Master and gave him a parting nod. “Thank you, Tobias. I’ll be expecting the rest of the order soon.”

With that, I waved and exited the chamber, Cassie and Valefang at my sides.

Next stop: my domain.

As we walked, I glanced back at Cassie. She was completely absorbed in admiring the crest she had just received, turning it over in her hands like a priceless treasure. A smirk played on my lips as I turned forward and winked at Valefang. He caught my meaning and nodded, already knowing what I was about to say.

“Valefang, do you think I made a hasty decision in choosing my Taskmaster?” I asked, my tone deliberately casual.

He chuckled. “That’s nothing new. You always rush into things without thinking. Maybe you should have waited a few days.”

I sighed. “Do you think I can take it back now?”

Valefang snorted. “Not a chance. Not because you can’t, but because she won’t give it up. You’d have to pry it from her fingers—or steal it while she sleeps.”

“Enough, you two! Stop teasing me!” Cassie snapped, her face flushed with embarrassment.

We just laughed, enjoying her flustered reaction. As we walked, our conversation shifted to more serious matters—discussing the different types of beasts we now had access to and how best to integrate them into our plans.

Eventually, we reached the border of my domain, and I came to an abrupt halt, awestruck by the sight before me. The land had potential, but the trees and greenery looked weak, as if struggling to thrive. The air felt still, lacking the vibrant energy of true wilderness.

Without a second thought, I reached deep within myself and let my nature magic flow freely. A pulse of power rippled through the land, spreading like a breath of life. The transformation was immediate—trees stretched taller, their leaves growing richer and more vibrant. Vines curled elegantly along the structures, and flowers of every color burst into bloom, filling the air with their fresh fragrance. The once-dull landscape now thrummed with energy, as if the very earth had been revived.